Proposition 8- The Reincarnation of "Separate But Equal"

It's not that I want to get married- after recently watching my parents divorce on what would be their 41st anniversary, I had solidified my averse desire for marriage-it is what the implication that Proposition 8 alludes to that is discouraging. "Separate but equal" was a common phrase from the civil rights movement. Yes, there were drinking fountains provided for all, but the idea that one could not drink from a specific fountain is appalling. Now, Gay Americans seem to be the new Black Americans- before the civil rights movement. Yes there are "Domestic Partnership" allowances for certification, medical and a paper from a courthouse for "Civil Partnership", but the fact that it can not be called a marriage but simply a civil union is ridiculous. A "marriage" is a union, and means having a husband or a wife. The Webster's Dictionary does not even specifically define marriage as solely consisting of two parts that have to comprise one husband and one wife (look it up if you do not believe). Having a husband or having a wife is a traditional ideal that all should have the opportunity to experience if the desire is there. It is selfish to change constitutional rights based on a personal idea, or a personal tradition. America claims to be founded on basic rights and freedoms. Marriage is something that the laws should not govern, and one that people should not attempt to deny.

Traditions are what lives are based upon. Although many people have traditions, all are not the same. I was raised in a fairly traditional household. My family celebrated Thanksgiving, Christmas and Birthdays in similar fashions every year. We played soccer for Thanksgiving, and bowled for Christmas. Although this is not how all people spend their holidays, this was "tradition" for my family. However, as my family got older and the dynamics of our household changed (as is inevitable with time) we adapted our traditions to maintain the spirit of each celebration. This is the kind of adaptation that our "traditional" marriage ideals need to adapt to.

It is argued that "our children need to be protected from gay marriage" but it is the youth and the children who need assurance that they will be allowed equal privileges as they get older regardless of what type of human partner is chosen. Marriage is one of those ideals that some may see as a traditional step to choosing a partner. However, if knowing that marriage is only for some, but all will be allowed separate but equal rights, this has the potential to jade, smother and darken a young homosexual's ideals. Knowing that this impulse, this desire of attraction (if it is to a member of the same sex) will not allow him/her to continue with a traditional "American Dream" and that this desire -not being a traditional attraction- will hinder dreams, only adds to the inherent confusion of youth adolescence to mature adulthood that is already difficult regardless of sexual preference. Growing up is such a "traditional" and religious household, my parents probably never conceived that one of their offspring would be homosexual. It took me some 20-25 years, but they have been enlightened to my preference as I have been candid with them as I have discovered my own self. Some parents who think that Prop 8 will protect their children may find out too late that their now homosexual child will become part of the segregated population that is only allowed a modified union and not a true marriage to their partner.

This changing of the constitution will only add to the struggle of life.
This idea of providing a similar farce, but not allowing equal rights was never a correct approach. Although at the time a "radical" movement, the civil rights movement was indeed a positive step for maintaining a "Traditional" America, and it needs to continue to adapt to the ever changing composition of its citizens.

Passing Proposition 8 is passing an archaic mentality that only some people can have traditions if it is compliant to the ideals of some skewed majority. This has never been the American way, as America was founded by those seeking sanctuary from the prosecutions of many dynamics such as religious beliefs, or ethnic heritage. The freedom to choose our partners for ourselves, and the equal opportunities for all, do not include the imposition of Proposition 8, which should never have a place in America to begin with. It is unfortunate that the battle for civil liberties perpetuates degrading segregation in a so-called civil nation, but standing for justice and voting down Proposition 8 is a positive step to maintaining the ideals that this nation was initially founded upon .